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New Zealand Residence

To live in New Zealand permanently, you must have a New Zealand Resident Visa, followed by a Permanent Resident Visa after two years, and then Citizenship if desired. Most pathways leading to New Zealand residency start with a Temporary Visa, which allows you to work, study, or own a business in New Zealand.

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Migrating to a new country is a significant decision. Before moving to New Zealand permanently, you must assess which visas you are eligible for and whether they lead to permanent residency. Ensure you can meet the requirements of your Temporary or NZ Resident Visa conditions.

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The government-funded public services you can access in New Zealand depend on the visa you hold, so the easiest visa to get isn't necessarily the best.

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Popular Visa Pathways for Permanent Residency:

  • Work to Residence Visa (Green List pathway): Requires 24 months in Tier 2 occupations.

    • ​Straight to Residence Visa: For accredited employer job offers in Tier 1 occupations.

    • Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa: Requires 24 months in a care workforce role.

    • Transport Work to Residence Visa: Requires 24 months in a transport role.

    • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: Requires meeting points criteria through an Expression of Interest (EOI).

    • Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.

    • Parent Retirement Resident Visa.

    • Parent Resident Visa.

    • Dependent Child Resident Visa.

    • Active Investor Plus Visa.

    • Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa.

    • Entrepreneur Work Visa.

    • Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

    • Religious Worker Resident Visa.

    • Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa.

    • Australian Resident Visa.

  • A New Zealand Resident visa usually allows you to stay for 24 months, sometimes valid for 5-10 years. Once residency requirements are met, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) for indefinite stay.

  • A Resident Visa allows multiple entries within its travel conditions. A Permanent Resident Visa permits unlimited entries and indefinite stay in New Zealand.

Interested in exploring your pathway to New Zealand residency? Consult with our immigration experts for personalized guidance

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